In stark contrast to last year’s final lap thriller in Abu Dhabi, Max Verstappen won the 2022 World Championship at Suzuka with four rounds to go, while his Red Bull team won the team at the next American race the champion.
Domenicali said there was still interest in the remaining races in 2022, insisting there would be no negative impact on F1 business.
He is also confident that next year’s race will be more competitive and could possibly make it to the final round again.
“Well, actually, we don’t see any risk at all,” he said when asked on a conference call with Wall Street analysts if it would be bad for F1’s financials without a championship matchup.
“First of all, our last race was sold out and the numbers were really good. Of course, the focus will be on the fight from other sporting angles. So that’s part of the racing.
“And I’d like to add that, if we can, we’re totally positive about the impact of the changes in regulations this year. We can’t comment on the fact that a team, especially in this case Red Bull, or Max Verstappen, did an incredible job. Maybe some other team didn’t take the right opportunity.
“But what we’re seeing on the track is wheel-to-wheel. That’s what we want. I’m totally confident that next year’s race on track will come at the end of the calendar. As you’ll see, in the final race , there is a lot of focus on sports.
“For teams, their finances are also about their finances and the financial rewards they get if they get a place. So I think there will be a lot of interest from Brazil and Abu Dhabi as well, no problem.”
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali
Photo: Carl Bingham/Motorsport Images
Domenicali also dismissed any suggestion that European economic problems could affect F1 ticket sales and revenue in 2023.
“First, as a world champion, we can spread the risk of dealing with this situation around the world,” he said.
“On the other hand, the fact that we have long-term agreements will reduce exposure to this risk. What I can say and share with you is that we have seen a staggering number of pre-registrations for next year’s tickets.
“So it’s a good sign that you see mainly in Europe, where I live, it’s clear that this recession is happening.
“But I think the way we’re structured, the way we’ve done deals will allow us to move in that direction.
“So I would say that the current situation makes us think we should be optimistic in this situation. Of course, we will monitor it, but that’s what we’re seeing today.”